Alyssa, married and financially co-supporting a family of 10, worked full-time but desired to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). The nursing assistant program she wanted to take did not qualify for financial aid, so she contacted Livingston Workforce Services requesting tuition support. She had been receiving SNAP benefits and could receive assistance through the WIOA grant. Alyssa enrolled in the nursing assistant program, and to help support her during training, she also received assistance with supplies needed for class and gas reimbursement for her travel to classes and clinics. Within days of completing training, Alyssa passed her CNA exam. Weeks following, she was hired at a local nursing home and began earning a wage higher than she had when coming into the Livingston Workforce Services office six months prior. Not only did Alyssa meet her short-term career goal as a CNA, but she also opened the door to advance into another Healthcare career.

Jennifer came to Livingston Workforce Services looking for financial support as she attends school to become a Registered Nurse (RN). She had already qualified for financial aid, including PELL and MAP, which covered the cost of her tuition and books; however, she needed assistance paying for gas to attend classes. As a single mother with five children, Jennifer worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant and received SNAP benefits. While attending school, Jennifer excelled in her classes, making Heartland Community College’s Dean’s List nearly every semester and being inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. To help her stay afloat while taking classes through the WIOA program, she received gas reimbursement and funds to cover supplies required for her clinical courses. A portion of her mortgage was paid for through the WIOA program to help maintain housing for her family. In May 2023, Jennifer completed her Associate Degree in Nursing at Heartland Community College. Over the summer, she passed the NCLEX-RN exam and was promoted at her current employer to a Registered Nurse. As a result, Jennifer is now able to support her family financially!

Amber came to us looking for assistance with obtaining her GED and continuing to become a Physical Therapist Assistant. She was a single mother who was working and receiving SNAP benefits. Within a few months of enrolling in Adult Education services, Amber passed the final portion of her GED and earned her High School Equivalency. The following semester, Amber enrolled in general education courses at Heartland Community College to pursue their Physical Therapist Assistant program. She was able to receive enough PELL and MAP to cover the tuition and books required for her classes, however, she needed assistance with gas to get to her classes in Normal. She progressed well through her general studies and took a semester off to have a baby. Last summer, she realized it was taking longer than she anticipated to complete the Physical Therapist Assistant program, so she decided to change her area of study to Medical Assistant. With the approval of the change in programs, we were able to continue to reimburse Amber's gas to class, pay for supplies needed for her clinical class, and also helped pay a portion of a utility bill as an emergency supportive service. Doing so helped her stay afloat until she could start earning a self-sufficient wage. In May 2022, she earned her Medical Assistant Certificate. Within a couple of weeks, she applied and accepted a CMA position at an area hospital. Amber has expressed her appreciation for the opportunity: “Everyone was kind and very prompt to help guide me through this whole process. This program was a blessing. Thank you so much for everything you have done for me.”